The Smith Connection emerged in the early 1970s from St. Louis, Missouri, as a close‑knit family harmony ensemble that wove rich vocal textures around a core of three brothers: Michael “Lovesmith” Smith, Danny Smith, and Louis Smith. Originally known as The Smith Brothers, they relocated to Los Angeles to work with Holland‑Dozier‑Holland’s Music Merchant label and introduced their soulful, smooth sound to charts and clubs nationwide.
Their debut album, Under My Wings (1972), showcased both impeccable group harmonies and Michael’s budding skills as songwriter and producer. “I’ve Been in Love” climbed to No. 28 on the R&B charts in 1973. Other standouts included the lush title cut “Under My Wings” and “I Can’t Hold On Much Longer,” each underscored by Michael’s multi‑instrumental contributions and the band’s tight harmonies, reminiscent of Philly soul groups like The Delfonics and Stylistics.
The group then signed with Motown as Lovesmith, and issued an album produced by Jermaine Jackson. It didn’t get much traction, but set up a solo career for Michael, who went by the name Michael Lovesmith and became a staff writer for the label. He co-wrote the J5 hit “All I Do Is Think of You” and later went on to write for artists ranging from Smokey Robinson to Gladys Knight to Bobby Brown.
As Motown was hitting bumps in the 80s, Lovesmith became a solo performing artist, issuing a series of upbeat, melodic albums that had minor success. He received some airplay for the songs “Baby I Will,” the Marvin Gaye-like “Break The Ice” and the ballad “A Promise Is A Promise.” In the 90s, Lovesmith continued to write and provide backing vocals, including work for Luther Vandross and Barry White.
Though brief, The Smith Connection’s legacy endures as another in the seemingly endless trove of glorious 70s R&B greatness.
